For our longest stint, we posted up at a cute & quiet hotel outside of Ahangama. We got a free upgrade to a suite as our booked room had sprung a leak from the rain storm the day before our check-in. It was incredibly comfortable & spacious. We had included breakfast with the most generous schedule: an expansive menu available from 8 am through 2 pm. We explored the plethora of beachfront coworking spots and cafes. We surfed a real break called 'South Beach.' The paddle out through the channel was intense, but it was exhilarating once you caught a wave. After the sessions, coconuts & sunbeds were available beachside for about 50 cents.


Our absolute favorite find in Kabalana, if not all of Sri Lanka, was Nimal's restaurant. It was set up in the front garden of Nimal's family home; the restaurant was the idea of Nimal's daughter. She managed the TripAdvisor & Google listings and had us airdrop some of our photos to add to their accounts. The culinary genius was that of Nimal's wife. On our first visit, we were unsure if the restaurant was open. As soon as we were about to accept failure for our trek, out came a shirtless middle-aged man with a rather large belly. As we waited for our meal, Nimal toured us around his garden teaching us all about the native plants critical to Sri Lankan cuisine. We chewed leaves, ate fruit, and had natural bug repellent applied to our legs & arms. The food was delicious. We returned a second time on our last night in Sri Lanka to feast & Nimal's did not disappoint. We were served an immense array of unique curries & the most delicious grilled fish. 


Reading

  • Kelsey: The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu

Listening To